USA > New Jersey > Burlington County > Burlington > History of the church in Burlington, New Jersey : comprising the facts and incidents of nearly two hundred years, from original, contemporaneous sources > Part 38
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" Of the situation, edifices, and grounds, selected for the Insti- tution, which is the subject of this Circular, it would be difficult to speak in terms which would do justice to them, without the appearance of exaggeration. The position, on the Delaware, a little more than an hour's journey, by steamboat or railroad, from Philadelphia, and from five to six hours from New York, is unsurpassed for healthfulness, convenience and beauty. The buildings, nearly new, and built expressly for a female Semi- nary, are extensive, and perfectly commodious, with spacious grounds, a well cultivated garden, and a Green-House. The school-rooms are of the best construction, light, airy and agree- able ; and the whole establishment is fitted up and furnished in the best manner, and will be supplied with fixtures and appa- ratus of every kind, adapted to the most extended course of female education.
" It remains only that we state the mode in which the pat- ronage of the Church is invited, for the establishment and pro- motion of the plan we have sketched above. A stock has been created, to the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars, in one hundred shares, of two hundred and fifty dollars each. This is to be appropriated to the purchase of the property, to the supply
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of furniture and apparatus, and to such enlargements and im- provements as may hereafter become necessary. The sums sub- scribed are to be called for in instalments, not exceeding twenty per cent, nor at intervals less than a month. The Stockholders own the property ; which is held for them by three persons, in trust. The Stock is to bear interest, at six per cent, on the amount paid in, from May 1st, 1837. The Stockholders are not to be liable for the debts and responsibilities of the institu- tion, nor entitled to its profits ; and are bound to receive the repayment of the capital invested by them whenever tendered. Upon the repayment of the whole, or any part of the principal, the ownership of the shares paid off vests in the Right Reverend George W. Doane. The entire control and management of the Institution are committed to a Board of seven Trustees, nomi- nated by the Bishop of the diocese of New Jersey, for the time being, and appointed by the Stockholders ; the said Bishop to be, ex officio, President of the Board.
" In commending the enterprise to public patronage, by sub- scriptions to the capital stock formed for its accomplishment, it is respectfully suggested,-that nothing is asked, or will be re- ceived, as a gift, but only as a loan-that the sum advanced, and interest at six per cent, are abundantly secured by the property, held in trust for their payment-that the objects to be promoted by the Institution are closely connected with the best hopes of the country, and the dearest interests of man-that the success of the enterprise will doubtless encourage other undertakings for education on Christian principles-and that, so far as one- tenth part of the scholars is concerned, there will be a direct, and most effectual exercise of Christian benevolence, towards a most interesting class of persons, the daughters of deceased, or destitute clergymen. At the time of the printing of this Cir- cular, more than half the shares have been subscribed for."
"NOTE .- The Institution is organized on the plan of a Christian family, under the pastoral care of the Rector of St. Mary's Church, who is the Bishop of the diocese.
"Full courses of Lectures are delivered annually in the Lecture-room of the Institution, to the pupils alone, in Botany, Natural Philosophy, and Chemistry, with a complete apparatus.
"The year is divided into two terms of twenty-two weeks each ; and two va-
.
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THE NEW INSTITUTION READY.
" You will rejoice with me in the public favour which has thus far attended the new enterprize in behalf of education in our Church, on Christian principles, St. Mary's Hall. In some of my late addresses, I have urged the importance of the subject, in more especial reference to the education of boys. A provi- dential circumstance threw in my way an opportunity to pro- mote that most important interest in relation to the sex to which we owe our mothers. I acknowledge the reproof which it con- veyed ; and have sought to be instructed by it, and to carry it out in practice. We should have begun there. It is upon the character of the mother that the character of the race depends. If our daughters be 'as polished corners,' it will not be difficult to secure, with God to bless us in our building, that 'the whole temple be fitly framed together.' The subject has been so fully brought to your notice in other forms, that I dwell on it now no farther, than to say, that the Institution is completely organized and ready for the reception of pupils ; that the persons charged with their care, enjoy, as they deserve, my highest confidence ; and that the plan thus far succeeds to my perfect satisfaction. It is commended to your pious prayers.
" An Institution for the education of boys and young men, on the same plan, is of the first necessity. It is called for more and more loudly by the wants of the country, and by the in- creasing intelligence and piety of the Church. The present is a favourable juncture to secure advantages which may be lost
cations of four weeks each. The Summer term commences on the first Wed- nesday in May, and the Winter term on the first Wednesday in November.
"The regular expenses of each term, including boarding and lodging, with fuel and lights, and instruction in all the English branches, the ancient lan- guages, psalmody, plain sewing, and the domestic economy, will be one hundred dollars, payable always in advance. There will be a charge of six dollars for each term for the use of bed, bedstead, bedding and towels. Wash- ing will be charged at fifty cents a dozen. Pupils who remain will be charged $12.50 for each of the two vacations.
"Instruction, for the quarter of 11 weeks, in French, $7.50; German, Italian or Spanish, $10.00; Drawing and Painting, $8.00; Fancy work, $6.00 ; Piano, with use of instrument, $15.00 ; Guitar, $15.00 ; Harp, $25.00 ; Organ, $20.00.
" All money for the use of the pupils must be entrusted to the Head of the Family, under whose directions, expenditures and purchases are to be made. "Communications addressed to the Rev. Asa Eaton, D. D., Chaplain and Head of the Family of St. Mary's Hall, Burlington, New Jersey."
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forever. I shall not cease to pray that the diocese of New Jer- sey may soon present herself to the Church, in complete organ- ization, as a seminary for the sons and daughters of Zion. I can conceive of no more desirable completion of the plan, than would be presented in a Missionary College."-Episcopal Ad- dress, dated April 1st, 1837.
ST. MARY'S HALL ESTABLISHED.
May 31st, 1837. The 54th Annual Convention was held in St. Mary's, Bishop Doane presiding. Six clergymen from other dioceses were present, among whom were the Rt. Rev. C. P. McIlvaine, D. D., Bishop of Ohio, The Rev. Chauncey Colton, D. D., and the Rev. William Croswell.
To his parochial report, Bishop Doane adds :
" The most important event in the history of the parish is con- nected with the establishment of St. Mary's Hall, an Institution for Female education on Christian principles, under immediate Episcopal supervision. The principals, teachers, and scholars, forming one family, are all parishioners of St. Mary's Church, and there are already twelve added to the communion from that source. A class for Scriptural instruction, and another for in- struction in the Liturgy, are attended, every week, in addition to the constant religious influence of the Reverend Chaplain and Head of the Family, and of the Principal Teacher, and her as- sistants. On Sundays and Holy days, the whole of the family of St. Mary's Hall attend public worship in the parish Church."
"There are three services on each Lord's Day ; that in the afternoon being always an expository lecture, (at present, on the Acts of the Apostles, in course,) or the public catechising, which occupies the place of the sermon, on the afternoon of the first Sunday in every month. The class for Scriptural instruction meets on Saturday evening. The 'Offerings of the Church,' which are collected on the morning of that day, (being Com- munion Sunday,) have amounted to $590.33, being an increase since last year of $235.50.
" To this result the monthly Missionary Lecture, on the evening before the offerings are collected, has been of great im-
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portance. The contributions to other objects have also greatly
increased. The ladies of the Sewing Circle, which embraces all in the parish, still prosecute their work and labour of love. Besides improving every opportunity to do good to those of their immediate household, they have engaged to support one Greek girl, at Mrs. Hill's School, in Athens, to be educated, as a teacher in Greece. Since the removal of the Rev. Mr. Starr, to Trenton, where he occupies the Rectorship of St. Michael's Church, there has been no clerical assistance in the parish. The services of Mr. Edward G. Prescott, now in deacon's orders, during his candidateship, have been of great value to the Sun- day school, which is now in a much better state than ever before. I am at present much assisted in this department by Mr. Benjamin D. Winslow, a candidate for orders."
BENJAMIN DAVIS WINSLOW. In 1835, Benjamin Davis Winslow f came from Cambridge
+ Benjamin Davis Winslow was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 13th, 1815, and baptized, in his sixteenth year, by the Rev. Wm. Croswell, Rector of Christ Church, in that city, and from that time devoted himself to the sacred min- istry. The year following he entered Harvard College. "It was during his residence at the University," writes Bishop Doane, "that the Romish con- vent at Charlestown was destroyed, by an outrageous act of lawless violence. Winslow was a young man of an enthusiastic, not only, but highly excitable, temperament. He felt most strongly the indignation, which that deed enkindled in every generous breast. What he felt deeply, he was wont to express warmly. In some such way, his feelings were enlisted on the side of Rome. A young man of 'mark and likelihood,' his case attracted the notice of the clergy of that communion, in Boston. One thing led to another, until he found himself admitted to, what seemed, their fullest confidence. Books were put into his hands. The enticing arts, which none know better how to use, were sedulously applied. His very position, as a leader among the young Churchmen of the University, when neither his years nor his acquirements had enabled him to know, much less to give, a reason of the hope that was in him, increased his exposure. With just enough acquaintance with the Church to feel a reverence for antiquity, and a disposition to be governed by author- ity ; he had made but little progress in that search of Holy Scripture, and of ancient authors, by which alone the Christian can be guarded against the countless forms of errors-more dangerous, in proportion as they seem the more to assimilate themselves to the truth. The result of such a state of things was natural and obvious. A young man of less than twenty, his spirit all alive to classical and chivalrous associations, thrown off his guard by the stirring up of all his deepest impulses, thinking himself to be somewhat, as a Churchman, in close and constant conference with a Roman Bishop and his Priests! Who could hesitate as to the issue ? Of all this, I was in perfect ignorance ; when I received from him the following letter : "
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to Burlington, where "he was domesticated in the family of the Bishop of New Jersey, to whom he was as a son."
"'Harvard University, Feb'y 23, 1835.
"'MY DEAR UNCLE,
"' The contents of the following letter, will undoubtedly give you both sur- prise and pain; but duty to myself, to you and to God, compel me to make this disclosure. The only thing for which I lament is, that I did not write you my doubts and difficulties six weeks ago; and then I might have been rescued from what you will consider a great error. To be brief, I am all but converted to the faith of the Roman Catholic Church; and unless I am to be reclaimed, I must in the course of a few weeks openly join her communion. My affections, my sympathies, are all with the Protestant Episcopal Church ; but my judgment is almost convinced that she is in a state of schism. But you will naturally enough enquire, how did this come about? Ever since the destruction of the convent at Charlestown, my attention has been directed to the faith of the [Roman] Catholic Church. I have perused the works of several of her best champions ; and have had long conversations with Bishop Fenwick, of Boston, and another Roman Catholic Clergyman. Not that I would give you to understand that my investigations have been of an ex parte nature ; I have also studied the ablest Protestant authors: and yet, the result is, that I am nearly if not quite convinced that the Church of Rome is the only Church of Christ.
"' It is not my design, in writing these lines, to enter into a full relation of the various reasons which have led me to such conclusions; suffice it to say, that my present views seem to my mind to be the Church theory of our own Church, carried out to its legitimate result. I have always believed that Christ is not divided-that there should be but one fold, as there is one Shepherd-that our Lord had promised to be with his visible Church, to the end of the world -that His Church should be guided into all truth, and be the pillar and ground of the truth, because he was to be with it all days. Now these are truths, as I humbly think, which are so firmly founded in Scripture, antiquity, reason and common sense, that they cannot be overthrown. But if these views be true, the Church of Rome, as it appears to me, is the only true Church. Where was our Church, before the (so called) Reformation ? [See this question ably treated in Dr. Hook's Sermon, 'Hear the Church'-G. W. D.] Did she not separate from the Catholic Church at that time? If she be the true Church, then Christ deserted his Church, and was false to his promise of being with her all days. There certainly cannot be two true Churches so at variance as Rome and England. If Rome be right, England must be wrong. If Rome be wrong, then our views of the Church must be erroneous. Such is my dilemma. And I cannot see any better alternative than that of returning to the Mother Church.
"' No dissenter can possibly meet my objections. Churchmen, and Church- men alone, can understand my peculiar difficulties. I would therefore beg you, my dear uncle, if you should have time, to recommend any work which will meet my case; and also give me any light, by which I may conscien- tiously remain in the Protestant Episcopal Church-a Church which I have so much loved and honoured. Excuse my troubling you with this letter. It is no less painful to me than it can prove to you. But it is my duty, and duty must be done. "'Very affectionately yours,
"'BENJAMIN DAVIS WINSLOW.'"
"In a moment, I saw his position. I saw that to refer him to books, while Jesuit expositors had his confidence, was vain. I saw that he was not access- ible to reason. I saw that to remain at Cambridge, was to rush, and that at once, into the gulph that yawned for him. The image that possessed my mind at once, and haunted it, by day and night, for weeks and months, and has not yet lost all its vividness, was the poor bird, charmed by the rattle-snake, and
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" From October, 1835, to June, 1837, he was a member of the General Theological Seminary. Of his standing there, it is enough to use the language of a fellow student, who loved him living, and laments him dead, that 'he embodied in his life and
shooting with a desperate impulse into his sanguinary jaws. I resolved, if there was help in God, to save him ; and, by the help of God, I did. I wrote to him briefly, but peremptorily, to come at once to me. That the subject was of the utmost moment. That no correspondence at a distance could meet its requirements. That it called for time and thought, and careful study of authorities, without the bias of an overruling influence on either side. That Burlington was a calm, sequestered place. That my books were at his service. That he should investigate the subject thoroughly. That he should follow implicity, wherever that investigation, guided by the promised Holy One, should lead. If it lead to Rome, he should go. If, convinced himself, he- could convince me, I would go with him. If conviction failed, his place was; where the providence of God had set him. I used no word of argument, and I referred to no authority against the Romish claim : for I felt sure, that they who had so far secured him, would have access to my letters. I told him to go at once to the President. To say that I had need for him; and that he must rely on my character that the occasion was sufficient, without a statement of the reasons. He went to the President. At first, he refused permission. Then he sent for him, and told him, that on further consideration, he felt assured my reasons must be good; and granted leave of absence. As I antici- pated, so it was. My letter was shown to his seducers. Every argument, that Romish craft could suggest, was used, to prevent, or to delay, his coming. One of them was going on soon, and would accompany him. If he went, he- must take letters to the communion in Philadelphia. At least, he must take. books. But it was all in vain. The principle of loyalty was in him more strongly than in any man I ever knew ; and knowing that his allegiance was to me, to me he came.
"Never shall I forget the day of his arrival, nor the peculiar expression with which he came to me. I saw that he was wrought up to the highest pitch, and that the first thing for him was to rest. Day after day he sought to engage me in the topic, and day after day I avoided it. At last, when he became solicitous to hear my views, I told him, no; he was to make out his own case. I gave him then, on a small slip of paper-I have it now-a single point [it was this :- THE PAPAL SUPREMACY; i. Can the primacy of Peter in authority and power be established ? ii. If established, can it be shown that it was to be transmitted ? iii. If designed to be transmitted, can it be proved to appertain to the Bishop, of Rome ? The appeal to be, 1, to Scripture; 2, to ancient authors] in the great controversy between the Truth and Rome; and told him to go into. my Library, and satisfy himself: when that was mastered, he should have the next. He spent five weeks with me. I never dictated to him even the- shadow of an opinion. He traced the truth up to its first fountains. He. looked for Popery in Holy Scripture and ancient authors ; and it was not there. He perfectly satisfied himself that the claims of Rome were arrogant and unfounded. He settled perfectly in the conviction, that the Church of his choice was a true and living branch of the Catholic Church of Christ. And he went forward, from that moment, increasing in wisdom and in stature,. through the grace of her communion; and growing in knowledge and in virtue, by the wholesome nutriment of her divine instructions. Never did he cease to rejoice, that HE had taken him from the mire and clay, and set his feet upon a rock, and ordered his goings. Never did he speak of that event- ful moment of his life, but with the devoutest gratitude to HIM, who had. delivered him from the snare of the fowler.
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conversation, above all men that he had ever known, the system and the spirit of the Church.' After this, he spent a year at Burlington, pursuing his theological studies, and dignifying with pastoral assiduity and usefulness the humble (but as he, with the primitive Church, regarded it, the most serviceable, and therefore honourable,) office of Catechist. Of his devotion to the sick, and poor, and afflicted, in the parish, the memory will never fail. He never spared himself, and was never weary in the service of the needy and distressed. He travelled miles, at night, and through storms, to carry comforts or refreshments. to the sick and dying. He would rise from his bed at midnight, that he might assist in turning a poor, bed-ridden boy. He was the almoner of the parish ; and never rested in the wildest storms of winter, till he knew that there was fuel in the house of every poor old woman. Meanwhile he was as a student most assiduous and profitable. A venerable presbyter, familiar, for forty years, with examinations for orders, declared his, the very best he ever attended."
THE POETIC TALENT OF MR. WINSLOW.
" The poetic talent," writes Bishop Doane, " which" Mr. Winslow " before his ordination had exercised to the delight. and admiration of the Church, he sacredly repressed, upon his entrance to the holy office." From the collection of his poems published by the Bishop in 1841-under the title "The True Catholic Churchman, in his Life and in his Death"-we give place to three.
THE CROSS.
" When we rise, the Cross ; when we lie down, the Cross ; in our thoughts, the Cross; in our studies, the Cross; every where and at every time, the Cross, -shining more glorious than the sun."-St. Chrysostom.
The Cross, the Cross ! Oh, bid it rise Mid clouds about it curled, In bold relief against the skies, Beheld by all the world ;
"I have put this narrative on record here, as part of the true history of the lamented subject of this memoir, on the one hand, that it may correct their error, who underrate the dangerous attraction of the Church of Rome ; and on the other, that it may reprove their calumny, who connect the teachings of the Catholic Church of Christ with the corruptions of the Papal schism."- Sermons and Remains of B. D. Winslow, by Bishop Doane, pp. 57-61.
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A sign to myriads far and wide, On every holy fane, Meet emblem of the Crucified For our transgressions slain.
The Cross, the Cross ! with solemn vow And fervent prayer to bless, Upon the new born infant's brow The hallowed seal impress ; A token t that in coming years, All else esteem'd but loss, He will press on through foes and fears, The soldier of the Cross.
'The Cross, the Cross! upon the heart Oh ! seal the signet well, An amulet against each art And stratagem of hell; A hope, when other hopes shall cease, And worth all hopes beside, --
"The Christian's blessedness and peace, His joy and only pride. #
'The Cross ! the Cross ! ye heralds blest Who in the saving name, Go forth to lands with sin opprest, The Cross of Christ proclaim ! And so, mid idols lifted high, In truth and love reveal'd,
It may be seen by every eye, And stricken souls be heal'd. ¿
The Cross ! dear Church, the world is dark, And wrapt in shades of night,- Yet, lift but up within thy ark This source of living light, This emblem of our heavenly birth And claim to things divine,- So thou shalt go through all the earth, And conquer in this sign. ||
THE CHURCH. "To whom should we go ? Thou hast the words of eternal life."
Mother ! I am sometimes told By the wanderers in the dark, Fleeing from thy ancient fold, I must seek some newer ark.
+ See Baptismal office.
¿ God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. -St. Paul.
2 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life .- Jesus Christ.
|| In hoc signo vincis. The inscription on the Cross which appeared to Constantine.
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Thou art worn, they say, with years, Quench'd the lustre of thine eye, Whence no blessed beam appears Bright with radiance from on high.
Mother ! then I humbly say To the blinded sons of strife, Whither shall I go away ? She hath precious words of life. She hath watched with tender care, Led me through life's thorny ways, Taught me many a hallowed prayer, Many a fervent hymn of praise.
Weeping by the blood-stain'd Cross, She hath whisper'd at my side, Son ! count ev'rything but dross, So thou win the Lamb who died ! She will guide me o'er the wave, Pointing to the rich reward ; Then at last beyond the grave, Give me, faithful, to her Lord.
Mother ! can I ever turn From thy home, thy peaceful ark, Where the lights celestial burn, When all else beside is dark ? Rather, those who turn away Let me seek with love to win, Till Christ's scatter'd sheep astray To thy fold are gather'd in.
LOVE THEE TOO WELL.
Composed on being warned not to love the Church too well.
(A FACT.)
Love thee too well, dear mother Church ! And can it ever be? Love thee too well, my Saviour's bride, For whom he stoop'd to earth, and died In mortal agony ?
Love thee too well, who, when these feet Life's early pathway's trod, Hover'dst about my cradle bed, And onward thence my soul hast led, To seek the peace of GOD !
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